Automotive Computing Mode Switching for Thermal Load in Automated Driving

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Solution Overview

Problem

In automatic driving control systems, the arithmetic operation device faces deterioration due to heavy loads from processing large amounts of data, leading to potential overheating and voltage undershoot, which can impair its functions.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a mode selection unit that switches between normal and degeneration modes based on detected parameters like temperature and voltage, reducing the load on the arithmetic element by limiting functions when thresholds are exceeded, and utilizes external device states such as cooling and communication usage to predict and manage these conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the arithmetic operation device processes large amounts of image data for automatic driving control, then the automatic driving function is improved, but the device temperature increases and function deterioration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidarithmetic element temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the operational mode of the arithmetic operation device adjustable and switchable between normal mode and degeneration mode based on real-time temperature conditions. The control unit dynamically changes the processing load according to temperature thresholds, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to current thermal conditions rather than operating in a fixed state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the arithmetic operation device by modifying the processing load and functional capabilities based on temperature parameters. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system changes parameters by limiting automatic driving functions or switching to degeneration mode, thereby adjusting the operating point to prevent further temperature increase and function deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the arithmetic operation device processes large amounts of image data for automatic driving control, then the automatic driving function is improved, but the device reliability deteriorates due to heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing capabilityVSAvoidautomatic driving function reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the temperature of the arithmetic operation device and using this information to control the operational mode. The control unit receives temperature feedback and automatically adjusts the processing load and functional capabilities accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability by preventing operation under excessive thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by establishing temperature thresholds and predetermined response actions before damage or failure occurs. When temperature approaches critical levels, the system proactively reduces load or switches to degeneration mode in advance, cushioning against potential reliability deterioration rather than reacting after failure occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the arithmetic operation device operates in normal mode with full automatic driving functions, then the automatic driving capability is maintained, but the load on the arithmetic element increases causing temperature rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic driving functionVSAvoidarithmetic element load
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing a degeneration mode where only essential functions are maintained while non-essential automatic driving functions are limited or suspended. This partial operation reduces the processing load on the arithmetic element sufficiently to control temperature rise, while still maintaining basic safety and control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3932768B1Arithmetic operation device for automobiles
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP3932768B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3932768B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3932768B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arithmetic operation device for automobiles includes an arithmetic element state detection unit that detects a parameter indicating a state of an arithmetic element (110), an external device detection unit that detects a use state of a device that affects the parameter, and a mode selection unit (116) that selects one of a normal mode in which both a basic traveling function unit (114) that can execute control related to a basic traveling function and an automatic driving function unit (115) that can execute control related to an automatic driving function and a degeneration mode in which only the basic traveling function unit (114) is operated, and the mode selection unit (116) selects the degeneration mode when the parameter exceeds a threshold or when it is predicted that the parameter exceeds the threshold.